Are you tired of the standard small avatars on the incoming call screen and want to see a full-screen photo of the contact? On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, this feature is hidden deep in the settings — or not at all in some versions. But there are several proven ways to get around the restrictions and make it so that when you call, you display a large photo of the contact occupying the entire screen.
In this article, we will discuss the official methods for the latest versions of MIUI 12-14, alternative solutions through third-party applications, as well as secret tricks for Redmi, POCO and flagship Xiaomi 13/14 models.
If you've tried changing your photos through the standard Contacts app, but the results didn't work out, don't despair. Next, you'll find 3 working methods, including hidden settings and bypassing system constraints. And at the end of the article, you'll find answers to common questions, like why a large photo shrinks to a round avatar or how to return the standard look of the call screen.
Why doesn’t Xiaomi have a big photo on the default call?
Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel smartphones, where full-screen photo contacts are included in two clicks, Xiaomi traditionally saves on visual effects.
- 📱 Optimizing productivity: MIUI It is designed for budget models (Redmi Note, POCO M), where rendering large graphics when calling can cause lags.
- 🔋 Saving charge: Full-screen photo requires backlighting of the entire display, which increases battery consumption 5-7% Long conversations (GSMArena test data).
- 🎨 Design limitations: B MIUI The call screen always includes the response/deflection buttons, contact information and the operator logo – a large photo “eats” this space.
- 🔒 Security: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) large photos are disabled in corporate firmware due to the risk of data leakage through screenshots.
But you can get around these limitations, and then you can do things from the simplest to the most advanced, including editing system files (for power users).
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (works on 60% of models)
Starting with MIUI 12.5, some regional firmwares have added the option to zoom in on a contact photo, and see if it's available on your device:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Select the contact you want to change the photo for.
- Click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner).
- Tap the current contact photo → select Change the photo.
- Upload a new image from the gallery or take a picture with the camera.
- Important step: After selecting a photo, click on three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Show full screen when calling (if optional).
If you don't have a full-screen view, your firmware doesn't officially support this feature. Go to Method 2.
Make a square frame (ratio 1:1)
Resolution of at least 720×720 pixels
background is monophonic or blurred (so that the text is read)
Save it in JPEG format (not PNG!)
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⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi 9A) Even after activation, the photo is not displayed on the entire screen, but only in the upper half. 6xx series.
Method 2: Using MIUI (Bypassing Restrictions) Themes
If the standard method didn't work, try changing the system theme. Many users don't know that MIUI Themes has hidden call screen settings:
- Open the settings → design → My themes.
- Enter Full Screen Caller or Big Photo Call.
- Download and apply one of the themes: 🌌 Dark Full Screen Call (Dark Theme with Large Photo) ☀️ Light Big Photo (Light version) 🎨 Custom Caller ID (allows you to adjust the position of the photo)
After applying the theme, restart the phone.
If you don’t have a full-screen theme in your area, try changing the region in your Mi Account settings to India or Global – there’s a wider choice.
| Xiaomi model | Support for big photos in MIUI Themes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes, all topics) | It works without lags. |
| POCO F5/F4 | ✅ Yeah (except with animation) | There may be a slowdown. |
| Redmi Note 12 | ⚠️ Partially (only static topics) | Animated themes are not supported |
| Redmi 10A/9A | ❌ No. | Iron part limitation |
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If the photo is still small after changing the topic, try removing the contact photo first, then applying the topic, and then uploading the photo again, which resets the cache of the call screen.
Method 3: Third-party applications (for advanced users)
If the system methods didn't work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular solutions, the best of which are:
- 📞 Full Screen Caller Photo (free, works on 90% of Xiaomi models) allows you to adjust the size of the photo, transparency of buttons and even add animations.
- 🖼️ Big Picture Caller ID (fee, ~150₽). Supports dynamic wallpaper and integration with Google Contacts.
- 🔄 Caller Screen Customizer (Free of charge) may conflict with MIUI 14 - make a backup before installation.
Instructions for setting up (for example, Full Screen Caller Photo):
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Launch it and grant permissions for Contacts, Phone and Memory.
- In the application settings, select: 📏 Photo Size → Full Screen 🎨 Background → Blur (Blurring Background for Text Readability) 🔄 Override MIUI Caller → Enable (required!)
Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Call screen customization apps may conflict with system updates MIUI. After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) they will have to be reconfigured or reinstalled.
How to return a standard call screen after using third-party apps?
Photo Optimization: Why is the image blurred or cropped?
Even after a successful setup, a large photo on the call screen may not look perfect.
Problem 1: Photos blurred or pixelated
Causes and solutions:
- 🔍 Low resolution: MIUI automatically compresses the photo to 480×480 Upload images at least the size of pixels. 1080×1080.
- 🎨 Incorrect format: Use the right format JPEG quality 80-90%. PNG and WEBP can be displayed with artifacts.
- 🔄 Contact cache: Clear the Contacts app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
Problem 2: Photos cropped or deformed
MIUI by default cuts the photo to a circle.
- ⬛ Use square photos (ratio 1:1). The rectangular images will be cropped on the long side.
- 🖼️ Center the object: An important part of the photo (face, logo) should be strictly in the center.
- 📐 Check the theme settings: In some themes MIUI There is a Crop Style option. → Square/Full.
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For best results, use a 1080×1080 pixel photo saved in JPEG format with 85% quality. Avoid complex backgrounds – text on the call screen should remain readable.
The Secret Way for MIUI 14: Editing System Files (For Experienced People Only!)
Since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has hidden the possibility of full-screen photos in the framework-miui-res.apk system file. Its editing requires root rights or ADB, but gives 100% result.
If you are willing to take risks (and understand the consequences), follow the instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC and connect your phone in debugging mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to enable Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB).
- In the PC command line, type: adb shell settings put global caller_photo_style 2 This command forcibly includes full-screen photo mode.
- Reboot the phone.
If the command didn’t work, try an alternative method by editing the cscfeature.xml file:
- Download a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Mixplorer with superuser mode enabled).
- Go to /system/csc/ and find the cscfeature.xml file.
- Open the file in the text editor and find the line: <CscFeature_CallerId_FullScreenPhoto>False</CscFeature_CallerId_FullScreenPhoto> Replace False with True.
- Save the file, reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Editing system files may cause a failure MIUI or loss of warranty.Before you start, make a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset on some models (Xiaomi) 13T, POCO X5 Pro) this method is blocked by the anti-chit Mi Security.